Lily Graison's Blog, page 6
September 4, 2017
Giveaway: Win 1 of 5 print copies of A Willow Creek Christmas!
There are only 16 more weeks until Christmas!
Every year, around the end of October, I start looking for holiday romance books and I’m sure I’m not the only one. This year, I’m going to help out a bit with a Goodreads Giveaway!
I have (5) print copies of A Willow Creek Christmas up for grabs. This giveaway will run through October 22nd. To enter, just head over to Goodreads to read all the rules.
Good luck!
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Goodreads Book Giveaway
A Willow Creek Christmas
by Lily Graison
Giveaway ends October 22, 2017.
See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.
The post Giveaway: Win 1 of 5 print copies of A Willow Creek Christmas! appeared first on Author Lily Graison.
September 1, 2017
Friday First Kiss #115 :: West of Forgotten by Lynda J Cox – Historical Western Romance
The moment I crack open a new book, I always rush through the beginning, the budding relationship between the hero and heroine, and anticipate that spontaneous moment when one of them makes their move. The First Kiss. The first turning point in every story.
Every week here on the blog, I’ll be sharing First Kisses from my books and those of other authors.
This week’s Friday First Kiss comes from,
West of Forgotten by Lynda J Cox
“Aren’t you the least bit curious?”
Her fingers stilled on the keyboard. She couldn’t force a single word free. Curious, yes. There were three children who had been born less than nine months after their parents married and that was just in the last year in the little town of Federal. Common sense told her that relations between a husband and wife weren’t always something to be feared and avoided. Again common sense dictated that her experience was not theirs.
“Rachel?”
There was so much he asked in that query composed of only her name.
She forced herself to draw a deep breath. “Yes. But, I’m more frightened than curious.”
He shifted on the bench, then caught her shoulders and turned her to him. He studied her face for so long she couldn’t continue to meet his gaze. Instead she focused on the length of his thigh pressing against hers. He slipped one finger under her chin and tilted her face up to him, again. “We rather put the cart before the horse, but what’s done is done. You deserve to be courted and wooed and seduced. A woman like you has to be won.”
Her cheeks had to be the color of ripe beets as hot as they felt. “Isn’t it a little late for a courtship?”
His smile heated and sparks smoldered in the depths of his eyes. “It’s never too late for a courtship, darlin’. I want to steal kisses from you in the moonlight, hold you against me at a dance, walk hand in hand with you in the rain, and whisper sweet nothings in your ear.”
Remembering how to breathe became a priority. “Are you courting me or trying to seduce me?”
It should not have been possible for his smile to grow any hotter. “Let me fill you in on a little secret. Done right, courtship is always a seduction. And, seduction is about anticipation—anticipating the next touch, the next kiss.” He moved closer to her, so close she could feel his breath against her skin, so close that if he moved any nearer his lips would be against hers. “Anticipation can be seductive in its own right.”
The warmth scalding her face spread into her belly and even lower. She licked suddenly dry lips. “Can…can I kiss you?”
“You can do anything you like.”
She leaned into him and pressed her lips to his. They were warm against her, firm without being possessive. A withdrawal broke the kiss and she struggled to draw another breath.
“For a first kiss, that wasn’t so bad.” One brow quirked up and he asked, “Are you curious enough to try for a second one?”
A shiver skittered across her but she whispered, “Yes. Please, kiss me.”
Something shifted in his expression and for a moment, she wasn’t sure what it was.
“Put your hands on my chest so you can push me away if you feel you need to.”
Her breath caught in her throat. Hesitantly and mindful of the scratches she’d left on him, she pressed her palms to his upper chest. He wrapped an arm around her lower back and she let him pull her fully against him. The pad of his thumb traced her lower lip while his fingers splayed along the line of her jaw.
Her stomach filled in an instant with fluttering. Seemingly of their own accord, her hands slipped to his shoulders as he tilted her head up. She couldn’t hold her eyes open.
Anything she thought she knew about a kiss dissolved under his lips. Firm but ever so gentle. An invitation to respond, a coaxing to meet him. There was no crude invasion of her mouth. There was no conquest. It was a negotiation for her to join in a mutual capitulation. She couldn’t contain a whimpering cry with the first taste of his tongue.
Not sure when she had wrapped her arms around his neck, she clung to him when he broke the kiss and buried her face in the juncture of his neck and shoulder. She wasn’t even sure which of them was shuddering or if it was both of them and gave in the sudden desire to draw her hands across the width of his back.
He nuzzled into the side of her throat, trailing the length of her neck from her ear to the collar of her mourning dress with short kisses, tiny nips of his teeth, and the hot flick of his tongue against her skin. Her head lolled to a side, granting him more access. The back of his shirt wadded in her fingers with the sensations ricocheting through her.
She should push him away. She knew where this would lead. She couldn’t. She didn’t want to push him away. She was on fire. Every inch of her felt as if she was burning and deep in her core, that fire raged, leaving her shaking.
One hand blazed a path up her spine, scalding even though the material. His other was at the back of her head, tugging on her hair, pulling her mouth back to his. This time, she opened her mouth willingly to him.
West of Forgotten by Lynda J Cox
Banished from civilization to the Wyoming Territory, U.S. Marshal Harrison Taylor holds a deed to half the Lazy L. He isn’t sure why his beautiful new partner, Rachel Leonard, doesn’t trust him. He has to convince her he is nothing like the man who abused her and must earn her trust before the escalating attacks at the Lazy L turn deadly.
For six years, Rachel has worked to repair a shattered life. Caring for her son and invalid father leaves little time to keep the Lazy L profitable. She doesn’t want a business partner simply because her father gambled away half of her beloved ranch and most certainly doesn’t desire a husband. Unfortunately, she’s stuck with the former and can’t trust Harrison as the latter.
Unless she can learn to trust Harrison, everything and everyone Rachel loves will be lost.
Get This Book at the following Retailers
About Lynda J Cox
Once upon a time there was a little girl who said when she grew up, she was going to have dogs like Lassie, own horses, and live on a ranch just like the Ponderosa. Two out of three isn’t bad. If she can’t live on a ranch, Lynda J Cox writes about characters who do. She writes steamy westerns, what one reviewer called an authentic blend of Old West action and happily ever after romance
The post Friday First Kiss #115 :: West of Forgotten by Lynda J Cox – Historical Western Romance appeared first on Author Lily Graison.
August 25, 2017
Friday First Kiss #114 :: Enchantress’ Secret by Rain Trueax – Contemporary Paranorma Romance
The moment I crack open a new book, I always rush through the beginning, the budding relationship between the hero and heroine, and anticipate that spontaneous moment when one of them makes their move. The First Kiss. The first turning point in every story.
Every week here on the blog, I’ll be sharing First Kisses from my books and those of other authors.
This week’s Friday First Kiss comes from,
Enchantress’ Secret by Rain Trueax
“Nick, I…” Before she could say more or even decide what she would say, he rose and came to her, taking her arms in his big hands and lifting her from her rock.
“If you don’t want me to do this, you better say no right now,” he said as he bent, his breath now against her mouth. When she said nothing, felt incapable of stopping him, he pressed his lips against hers and then pushed her lips apart with his tongue, invading her mouth as he put his arms around her, pulling her tightly against him.
Her body came awake as she felt the kiss throughout, warming and causing her to feel sensations she’d never felt. She opened her mouth wider and thrust her tongue into his mouth, teasing alongside his. As his hands dropped to her buttocks and pulled her against his growing hardness, she knew she had to stop him. She didn’t want to.
“Not here,” she said, pulling away.
“Isn’t this what you brought me here for? To ensnare me in your beautiful arms.”
She realized her arms were still around him even as they had both loosened their clasp. She stepped away and tried to catch her breath. “No, I wanted to tell you about this place, about me.”
“All right.” He moved back to the boulder on which he’d sat and lowered himself. “So tell.”
“This place is spiritual… It’s where we do rituals, my family and I. It’s magical.”
“It is beautiful.”
“No,” It’s more. It’s where things happen.” She was stumbling over her words. How could she tell him part of it without telling him all of it? He wasn’t ready to hear all of it or believe it.
Enchantress’ Secret by Rain Trueax
Born a witch, into a family of witches, Elke Hemstreet uses her powers, as well as her deductive reasoning, to solve crimes. Neither might help her enough when she meets and finds herself drawn to the handsome, reclusive painter Nick Beringer. A murder has happened and Nick is the police’s prime suspect. As an ex-SEAL, Nick has some powers of his own. He’ll need them. Someone is setting him up.
The Hemstreet Witches series is set in Arizona as four sisters and their widowed mother put their own lives on the line to keep the street safe from those who would do evil. All contemporary paranormals, Enchantress’s Secret is the first of what will be five– each standing alone, but connected by love and purpose.
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About Rain Trueax
Growing up on a farm at the end of a road, behind us the Cascades and in front the Columbia River Gorge, it is not surprising that nature, animals and strong values have been key elements in my life. They find their way into my books, as I still live a country lifestyle. My husband and I have been married 53 years, with grown children, and four grandchildren (the oldest starts college in September).
For me, writing happens at our small sheep and cattle operation in the Coast Range of Oregon, our Tucson home in the desert Southwest, or from a vacation trailer via satellite link, which can be anywhere in the intermountain west. Living or traveling to the places I set my books helps me feel the energy of the land, always a secondary character in what I write. For my stories, I try to portray the values of self-worth, hard work, nature, and community while interweaving the complexities of romantic relationships, sexuality, and outside challenges, which can be conquered by those who stick to their principles no matter the cost. Most of my books add an element of danger to be what I call Romances with an Edge.
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The post Friday First Kiss #114 :: Enchantress’ Secret by Rain Trueax – Contemporary Paranorma Romance appeared first on Author Lily Graison.
August 18, 2017
Friday First Kiss #113 :: The Rancher by Lily Graison – Historical Western Romance
The moment I crack open a new book, I always rush through the beginning, the budding relationship between the hero and heroine, and anticipate that spontaneous moment when one of them makes their move. The First Kiss. The first turning point in every story.
Every week here on the blog, I’ll be sharing First Kisses from my books and those of other authors.
This week’s Friday First Kiss comes from,
The Rancher by Lily Graison
Holden was half way down the street before he stopped, turned around, and walked back to the school house.
Since the moment Laurel had slammed her door in his face, he’d gone over everything Morgan had learned about her, and told him about, and every piece of information he was able to get from Laurel himself and none of it explained why she was so stand-offish at times.
Or why he got the impression her surly attitude was all an act.
She confused him more often than not and tonight was no exception. It had been a long time since he’d courted a woman and from what he remembered, there were certain things one hoped he got at the end of the evening. A kiss goodnight being one of them. A kiss he’d been anticipating until Laurel shouted goodnight to him and slammed the door in his face.
He’d seen her gaze linger on his mouth as they reached the room behind the schoolhouse and that was all it took for his cock to take notice and jump alive as if a hot coal had been shoved into his pants. He hadn’t made his intentions of courting her be known yet, but by the time he left town tonight, Laurel would know it.
Rounding the school house, he didn’t stop until he was on the little stoop by her door. He knocked, the sound loud in the surrounding stillness and when Laurel opened the door, her shocked gaze landing on him, he was near shaking with the need to have her.
She’d let her hair down, all those glorious curls dangling down her back and framing her face so perfectly, and he almost forgot why he’d turned back around and banged on her door as he stared at her.
“Holden? Did you forget something?”
He forgot something all right. His manners. “Yes Ma’am. I do believe I did.” He reached for her, weaving his fingers into her hair and pulling her toward him, kissing her without another word, her shocked gasp giving him the entrance into her mouth within seconds. Her hands clutched his shirt and it only took a few seconds to realize she wasn’t fighting him like he thought she might, but was clinging to him, her tongue tangling with his own, little mewling noises escaping her throat and making the incessant throbbing in his groin more profound.
She pulled away after long moments, panting for breath, and those amber eyes he’d admired the first time he saw her were shining with something he hadn’t seen directed at him since the night he’d spent with her in Missoula.
Lust. Desire.
Her arms were around his neck in the next instant, her mouth so hot and wet against his own. Holden wrapped her in his arms, pulled her into his body and took everything he wanted from that kiss. Deepened it until he had trouble breathing past his need for her.
She took a step backwards and pulled him into her room, the door kicked shut without ever breaking contact with his mouth.
He turned her, braced her back against the door, his fingers moving into those luscious locks of hair and he was hard and aching by the time she pulled back for air. Her eyes glistened. Her lips wet and swollen and it took everything in him not to guide her to the bed and have his way with her.
Laurel inhaled a few deep breaths and blinked lazily at him. “I didn’t want anyone to see us on the stoop.” Her hands slid away from his shoulders to rest on his chest. “If anyone caught you in here, I would lose my job.”
“I won’t let that happen.” She blinked up lazily at him, licked her lips and sent his thoughts racing in directions they shouldn’t have. “I didn’t come back to invite myself to your bed so your position as school teacher is safe.”
She nodded, her gaze lowering to his chest briefly. “And why did you come back?”
He grinned and put a finger under her chin, lifting her head so he could see her. “Because I wanted a kiss. I thought that was obvious.” Even though the room was bathed in shadows, he could see her cheeks redden.
“Is that all you wanted?”
He laughed. “Not by a long shot, darlin’, but I’m a patient man. I can wait.”
She smiled up at him, lifted up on her toes and kissed him again, this time without the frenzy of hurried motions. It was soft, lingering and he cursed his neglected groin for demanding so much attention and distracting him. When she broke the kiss, her lips swollen from his kiss, he knew being a gentleman would be harder than he thought it would. Especially when she whispered, “Make love to me.”
The Rancher by Lily Graison
The Willow Creek Series, Book 4
Laurel Montgomery wanted a new life, one that didn’t include a man. She’d had enough of their pretty lies and broken promises but one night of reckless abandon weeks before taking a job as the new schoolteacher in Willow Creek would come back to haunt her. The man she thought to never see again turns out to be the father of one of her new students. A man so handsome and rugged he takes her breath away. Too bad she’s sworn off men forever. If only the stubborn man would take no for an answer.
Holden Avery was love-struck the moment he saw Laurel Montgomery and cursed himself for a fool every waking minute since letting her walk out of his life. When she turns up in Willow Creek he’s handed the second chance he didn’t think he’d ever get but thoughts of pursuing Laurel are cut short when a stranger shows up in town. A man who claims to be Laurel’s husband.
The happily ever after Holden thought to finally have is plagued with obstacles but he sets off to prove he’s the man Laurel wants. Convincing her to give him a chance is nearly impossible but he’s waited too long to find her to give up now. One way or the other, Laurel Montgomery would be his wife.
Read an extended excerpt from this book!
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About Lily Graison
Lily Graison is a USA TODAY bestselling author of historical western romances. Her Willow Creek Series introduced readers to a small Montana town where the west is wild and the cowboys are wilder. Lily also dabbles in contemporary and paranormal romance when the mood strikes and all of her stories range from sweet to spicy with strong female leads and heroes who tend to always get what they want.
She lives in Hickory, North Carolina and on occasion can be found at her sewing machine creating 1800’s period clothing or participating in civil war reenactments and area living history events. When not portraying a southern belle, you can find her at a nearby store feeding her obsession for all things resembling office supplies.
To see the dresses and hats Lily has created, visit her Pinterest page.
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest | Google+ | Instagram
The post Friday First Kiss #113 :: The Rancher by Lily Graison – Historical Western Romance appeared first on Author Lily Graison.
August 11, 2017
Friday First Kiss #112 – The Lawman by Lily Graison (Get Your Free Copy!)
The moment I crack open a new book, I always rush through the beginning, the budding relationship between the hero and heroine, and anticipate that spontaneous moment when one of them makes their move. The First Kiss. The first turning point in every story.
Every week here on the blog, I’ll be sharing First Kisses from my books and those of other authors.
This week’s Friday First Kiss comes from,
The Lawman by Lily Graison
When he stood and crossed the room to her, leaning close to her back, she sucked in a quiet breath. She hadn’t lied when she said a woman had needs. She did. She missed having a man in her bed and having Morgan so close to her sent shivers racing up her spine.
He leaned in, trapping her body against the cabinet by placing both hands on either side of her. She could smell the soap on his skin and buried under what she knew was distinctly him, the faint hint of gun oil. Morgan Avery was every bit the kind of man she’d fancy. Strong, arrogant and just a little bit demanding. Turning her head to look at him, she was taken aback by the smile on his face.
“Anytime you fancy crawling into my bed Miss Thornton, feel more than welcome to do so. Hell, I’ll marry you myself if that’s what it takes. I’ve done worse things in life and a rash decision usually ends up working out in the long run. Crawling between your thighs every night would be no burden whatsoever.”
Abigail was stunned when he leaned closer and she felt the proof of his claim stabbing at her backside. He was aroused and the look on his face confused her. Was he serious about the marriage? When he leaned toward her, angling his head to kiss her, she realized he must have been.
The kiss shocked her for more reasons than one. What she thought would be a light teasing play of lips turned out to be so soul stealing, she had to grip the cabinet edge to keep from falling. Morgan Avery kissed like his world was ending. He devoured with a single-mindedness, his tongue forced into her mouth to dominate and claim possession.
His arms banded around her waist, his body flush against her back and at the odd angle, Abigail couldn’t seem to get close enough. She tried to turn but he pulled away, her bottom lip caught between his teeth for a brief second before he let go of her.
Dazed, she watched him turn and walk out of the room, his footsteps creaking on the stairs moments later. What the hell had just happened?
The Lawman by Lily Graison
The Willow Creek Series, Book 1
On the run from her ex-lover…
Jilted by a no-show husband…
And now mistaken for a whore in the Diamond Back Saloon…
Abigail Thornton doesn’t think things can get any worse. That is until a single slap to a man’s face starts a barroom brawl that lands her in the last place she expected to be.
Town Marshal Morgan Avery wants nothing more than to wash away the trail-dust and sleep for a week, preferably with a soft, willing woman by his side. Instead, he gets Abigail Thornton – all one hundred pounds of her thrust at him seconds before a fist connects with his face. Breaking up the fight takes more effort than he wants to admit and when the last man falls he finds Abigail still standing and not looking the least bit contrite.
Throwing her into the town jail for the night would salve his wounded pride and then he will let her go. Or that was the plan. When morning comes he finds himself oddly reluctant to do so. Miss Thornton is hiding something and he aims to find out what, even if he has to bed her to do so. But will one night in her bed be enough?
Get This Book FREE at the following Retailers
About Lily Graison
Lily Graison is a USA TODAY bestselling author of historical western romances. Her Willow Creek Series introduced readers to a small Montana town where the west is wild and the cowboys are wilder. Lily also dabbles in contemporary and paranormal romance when the mood strikes and all of her stories range from sweet to spicy with strong female leads and heroes who tend to always get what they want.
She lives in Hickory, North Carolina and on occasion can be found at her sewing machine creating 1800’s period clothing or participating in civil war reenactments and area living history events. When not portraying a southern belle, you can find her at a nearby store feeding her obsession for all things resembling office supplies.
To see the dresses and hats Lily has created, visit her Pinterest page.
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest | Google+ | Instagram
The post Friday First Kiss #112 – The Lawman by Lily Graison (Get Your Free Copy!) appeared first on Author Lily Graison.
June 26, 2017
Last Day Of THE OUTLAW .99¢ Sale!
Today is the last day to pick up The Outlaw, book #2 in the Willow Creek Series for .99¢! Download your copy of this USA TODAY bestselling series at this price until June 27th.
Sarah Hartford always dreamed of a grand adventure. She just never expected to find it in the arms of an outlaw.
When her father’s bank is robbed, Sarah doesn’t make the gunslingers’ escape easy. Putting her own safety behind those she hopes to protect backfires when she’s kidnapped by one of the escaping men. Now her only hope for survival lies with the same arrogant man who laughed at her while staring down the barrel of her gun.
Colton Avery spent months planning the perfect heist, every detail fine tuned and executed with precise timing. Nothing could go wrong. That is until he comes face to face with a determined woman holding a shotgun. She aimed at his head and never flinched when she took a shot at him. He wanted her the moment the smoke cleared and he saw her face.
Robbing the bank, and handing over the gang of notorious outlaws to US Marshals, would be routine and boring. Sarah Hartford made it anything but. Taming the woman who stole his heart the instant he saw her was a challenge he was more than willing to take on. All he has to do now is escape the gang of outlaws he just double-crossed, hideout from an Indian raiding party and elude the town marshal who just happens to be his little hellion’s new fiancé.
Don’t forget to pick up book #1, THE LAWMAN, FREE at all eBook retailers.
The post Last Day Of THE OUTLAW .99¢ Sale! appeared first on Author Lily Graison.
May 11, 2017
Looking For A Weekend Read? .99¢ Specials!
This weekend, for Moms special day, spend it with the American Mail-Order Brides! Select books in the 50-book series are .99¢ this weekend and nearly all the books are available in Amazon’s Kindle Unlimited. Take a look below at the books up for grabs at a special Mother’s Day Weekend price.
Anna: Bride of Alabama – Book #22 by Lily Graison
Alice: Bride of Rhode Island Book 13 by Kristy McCaffrey
Amazon.com/Alice of Rhode Island
Madeline: Bride of Nebraska – Book 37 by Mia Blackwood
Amazon.com/Madeline of Nebraska
Laurel: Bride of Arkansas – Book 25 by Carra Copelin
Constance: Bride of Florida -Book 27 by Patricia PacJac Carroll
Amazon.com/Constance of Florida
India: Bride of Indiana -Book 19 by Ashley Merrick
Beth: Bride of Massachusetts – Book 6 by Ashley Merrick
Amazon.com/Beth of Massachusetts
Lilly: Bride of Illinois – Book 21 by Linda Hubalek
Emma: Bride of Kentucky – Book 15 by Peggy L. Henderson
Gillian: Bride of Maine – Book 23 by Kirsten Lynn
Edwina: Bride of Connecticut -Book 5 by Margaret Tanner
Amazon.com/Edwina of Connecticut
Hannah: Bride of Iowa – Book 29 by Penny Estelle
Lottie: Bride of Delaware – Book 1 by Kit Morgan
Leora: Bride of California – Book 31 by Kit Morgan
Amazon.com/Leora of California
Tabitha: Bride of Missouri – Book 24 by Amelia C. Adams
Amazon.com/Tabitha of Missouri
Hope: Bride of New Jersey – Book 3 by Amelia C. Adams
Roberta: Bride of Wisconsin – Book 30 by Kirsten Osbourne
Amazon.com/Roberta of Wisconsin
Rachel: Bride of New Hampshire – Book 9 by Diane Darcy
Amazon.com/Rachel of New Hampshire
Violet: Bride of North Dakota – Book 39 by Heather Horrocks
Amazon.com/Violet of North Dakota
Josephine: Bride of Louisiana – Book 18 by Cindy Caldwell
Amazon.com/Josephine of Louisiana
Michelle: Bride of Mississippi – Book 20 by Cindy Caldwell
Amazon.com/Michelle of Mississippi
Find all the American Mail Order Brides on the Offical Website.
The post Looking For A Weekend Read? .99¢ Specials! appeared first on Author Lily Graison.
April 23, 2017
World Book Day 2017 & FREE Read!
It’s World Book Day! If you didn’t know, there’s a whole mess of free reads here on my website, even the first romance novel I ever had published. Linden Bay Romance bought and published A TOUCH OF HEAVEN way back in 2005. There are some “newbie” mistakes in the story but it’s still a reader favorite. Read the book blurb below and scroll to the bottom of the page to download your free copy!
A Touch of Heaven
by Lily Graison
Contemporaryn Romance
Length: Novella
1st Edition: Released-2005 by Linden Bay Romance
2nd Edition: Released-2007 by Alinar Publishing
Free Edition: Released-2014 by Lily Graison
Paige Foster planned the perfect get-together for her best friends from high school in honor of their ten-year class reunion but her plans go up in smoke when an impromptu trip to The Pleasure Dome, an elite club that features the hottest male dancers in the country, ends up on their to-do-list. Forced into going, she complains until she meets Simon—the main attraction.
When Simon looks into the audience before his act and sees familiar faces from his past, he has second thoughts about his performance—until he sees Paige and old memories come flooding back. Knowing she won’t recognize him as the shy, awkward boy he used to be, he breaks club rules and pulls her to the stage during his act.
The heat they generate doesn’t dim when the lights go down and what should have been a one-night stand turns out to be something more. Will Paige accept Simon when she finds out who he really is or will the secret be the end of their affair?
Original Linden Bay Romance Cover
Awards
eCataRomance.Com’s 2005 Reviewers Choice Award Winner for A Touch of Heaven
Fallen Angel Reviews, 5 “Angels” Recommended Read
Download a PDF copy of A Touch of Heaven
The post World Book Day 2017 & FREE Read! appeared first on Author Lily Graison.
April 21, 2017
Friday First Kiss #111 :: Mike and Hannah by Carla Krae – Contemporary Romance
The moment I crack open a new book, I always rush through the beginning, the budding relationship between the hero and heroine, and anticipate that spontaneous moment when one of them makes their move. The First Kiss. The first turning point in every story.
Every week here on the blog, I’ll be sharing First Kisses from my books and those of other authors.
This week’s Friday First Kiss comes from,
Mike and Hannah by Carla Krae
Mike
Who was banging on my door at 8:00AM? On a fucking Sunday.
“Coming, I’m coming,” I muttered. I opened the door and WHACK. “What the hell, lady?”
A young woman on my doorstep had just smacked my face.
“That’s for lying to me, you son of a bitch!” She turned on heel, then, and started stomping to the elevator.
I grabbed her arm. “What are you talking about? I’ve never met you!” I’d remember.
Doe eyes and dark shiny hair.
“Let go!” She looked up at me then and her brows drew together. Her eyes trailed down my body and back up. “You’re…not…”
“Fuck, not again.” I released her arm. “Brian is my twin brother.”
“Identical twins?”
“Look, I’m sorry for whatever the idiot did to you. My name is Mike.” I offered my right hand for a shake, but she didn’t take it, too busy staring at my face. It happened a lot. “And you are?”
“Hannah. He never said…”
“My brother says and doesn’t say a lot of things to get in a chick’s pants. No offense.”
“Son of a bitch!” Including a cute little foot-stomp.
I winced at the volume of her voice. “Yep. Look, Brian’s not here. If you want to leave a message…”
Her gaze met mine again. “Oh my God, I’m sorry I slapped you. I really didn’t know he has a twin.”
No one did, unless Brian chose to gain by it. “Would you like some coffee or something?”
“No, no, I’ve embarrassed myself enough—”
“Brian goes jogging on Sunday mornings. He’ll be back soon if you want to hit him instead.”
She covered her face with her hands and groaned. “God, I’m such an idiot.”
“Hey. Don’t do that. My brother’s an asshole. You seem like a nice girl and you shouldn’t blame yourself. Brian is really good at charming his way into whatever he wants.” Been that way all our lives. Everything he touched was golden.
“Thanks. I’m really sorry, again. Did I wake you?” She gestured to my lack of clothing.
I’d answered the door in boxers and probably looked as tired as I felt. We’d just gotten home from Coachella. “Yeah, honestly, but there are worse things than a pretty girl pounding on your door.”
She blushed. The girl was cute, with dimples and some sweet curves inside those conservative clothes. “Well, it was nice meeting you, I guess. I should go.” She started for the elevator again.
“For the record, I hate how he treats women.”
She paused and turned back to me. “Does this happen…a lot?”
I cringed. “More than you’d think for the short time he’s been in my guest room.”
Her eyes widened. “This is your apartment?”
Ohhh, my brother was really overstaying his welcome. “Of course. Brian can’t afford this building!”
“Wow. Things are making sense now.” Her hands went to her hips. “You know your brother is a con man.”
“Welcome to my life. Are you hungry?”
A head-shake. “I couldn’t impose.”
“You’re not. Honestly, I wouldn’t mind seeing you knock my brother down a peg or two. He’s been a pain in the ass since he moved to L.A.”
She laughed. “Fair enough. But I’ll only eat your food if I can help. You don’t owe me anything.”
I held the door open wide. “Deal. You’re the first nice girl Brian has pissed off, by the way.”
“Really?” She walked inside.
I shut the door and turned the lock so he’d have to use his key. “There’ve been a couple crazy ones. I had to call security.”
“Oh my God.” Wide eyes. “I’m really not normally violent, I swear.”
“He made you mad.” I shrugged. “I’ve decked him in the past.”
“What did he do?”
“Slept with my prom date.”
“That’s awful!” Her face shifted from shock to anger. “How could someone do that to their own sibling?”
Despite being our parents’ favorite, Brian always wanted what I had. Always been that way. “In hindsight, I wasn’t that into her, but it was the principle of the thing. Brian can make you hate him and love him in the same week. I keep hoping he’ll grow out of it one day.”
“I’m sorry if I’m staring. I can’t get over how alike you look. I mean, your hair’s longer on top and you have a tattoo, but…wow. Which one of you is older?”
Despite the moniker, some identical twins are more identical than others, and we were that. It pissed me off every time he used my face for his selfish gain. “I am. By five minutes. He almost died at birth, so he’s the favorite.”
“What happened?”
“The umbilical cord was around his neck, so he was a little blue. He cried as soon as they got it off, so it really wasn’t that big of a deal, but he’ll tell a different story.” So did Mom. I’d gotten out bread and eggs for scrambled eggs and toast. One of the few things I knew how to make.
“If he’s such a PITA, why do you let him stay with you?”
I sighed. “Because he’s family and new in town. It was always supposed to be temporary. Just didn’t expect the drama.” Toast in the toaster and eggs in the pan.
“Well, you’re a good brother. Are you sure I shouldn’t leave? You could go back to sleep and deal with him later.”
“Nah. I’m awake, and hungry. And I don’t mind the company.” I winked. She smiled. It was a good look on her. Also way too good a person for my brother. “How did you meet, if you don’t mind me asking?”
“My doorstep, believe it or not. He asked to use my phone because he was lost. We got to talking and the rest is history.” The toast popped up. “I’ll stir the eggs. You grab that.”
I moved away from the stove to retrieve plates for the bread. Kinda nice having a pretty girl in my kitchen. With Jacob, Bob, and Dylan in committed relationships these days, it was hard not to feel like a seventh wheel. Aaron was young enough to not care, but I’d been lonely lately. The band dynamic had changed with all these women around.
“These are done, Mike.”
I brought the plates to the island. Then heard the key in the lock.
Can’t say what made me kiss Hannah right then. Well, shit, I could, but it didn’t make me a good person. I wanted Brian to feel what it was like to have something of his stolen away.
The most surprising thing was that she kissed me back. Had she heard the lock, too?
Her lips were soft, devoid of any of that weird-tasting cosmetic crap. It’d been a long time for me and it was easy to forget why I grabbed her in the first place. Her hair felt like silk on my arm and her curves molded easily with my body.
“Your eggs are burning,” my brother said with all the venom he could muster.
Hannah leaned around my body. “Hi, Brian,” she said. “Oh, dear, you look upset. Were we not supposed to kiss other people?”
Fuck, this girl was awesome.
Mike and Hannah by Carla Krae
With most of the band coupled up now, Mike is the seventh wheel. Realizing he hasn’t cultivated a life outside the band in years is a lonely epiphany. When a young woman mistakes him for someone else, the awkward encounter turns into a possibility for something real. Something lasting. Something like love.
Hannah, a recent arrival in L.A., is looking for a connection in her new life. Despite meeting Mike under less-than-ideal circumstances, she accepts his invitation to a Memorial Day BBQ with his friends, never expecting them to be famous rockstars with hearts of gold. Mike couldn’t be nicer and sparks are flying, so when he insists on taking their time to get to know each other, part of her is flattered and the other side is frustrated he won’t get naked. How far can she tease him before he gives in?
Settle in for a sweet and spicy romance in the My Once and Future Love Revisited universe where finding yourself means finding true love. This story is intended for readers over the age of 18 due to adult language, sexual content, and adult situations. West Coast Soulmates #2.
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About Carla Krae
Fiction writer. Sci-fi lover. Trained vocalist. Cat mom.
Debuting in 2011, Carla Krae lives in California with two crazy cats and a tech guy.
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Other Books by Carla Krae
My Once and Future Love Revisited :
Kissed
Betrayed
Forgiven
Loved
Completed (2016)
Dylan and Jen (stand alone)
Mike and Hannah (stand alone)
West Coast Soulmates:
Dylan and Jen (published)
Mike and Hannah (4/7/2017)
The Roommate (published)
Mr. Perfect (2017)
Untitled (2017)
The post Friday First Kiss #111 :: Mike and Hannah by Carla Krae – Contemporary Romance appeared first on Author Lily Graison.
April 14, 2017
Friday First Kiss #110 :: Wild Horses by Lily Graison-Historical Western Romance
The moment I crack open a new book, I always rush through the beginning, the budding relationship between the hero and heroine, and anticipate that spontaneous moment when one of them makes their move. The First Kiss. The first turning point in every story.
Every week here on the blog, I’ll be sharing First Kisses from my books and those of other authors.
This week’s Friday First Kiss comes from,
Wild Horses by Lily Graison
It was as if the clock had turned back ten years in a matter of seconds. If anyone had asked her if she missed fighting Jesse she would have easily said no, but as she dug her heels in and pushed, flipping him onto his back, shivers of pleasure raced down her spine. Her blood raced through her veins as she clobbered him up side the head.
He grunted, his face turning red again before he flipped her back to the ground. He pinned her arms, his hands clamped around her wrists and held to the ground on either side of her head, the full weight of him holding her body still from shoulders to legs.
Alex stared up at him, his breath panted out in harsh bursts of air that washed over her face. He was still grinning and she became aware of him in a way she hadn’t planned to. There wasn’t much of her body he wasn’t touching. His chest was flat against her breasts, his hips nestled between her open thighs. He seemed to notice too if the look on his face was any indication.
His smile vanished, his gaze becoming intense as he stared down at her. The fire she’d seen in his eyes earlier was still there but something else lurked in those green irises. His breathing changed, the weight of him against her falling more heavily. His gaze roamed her face and stopped on her lips.
Her pounding heart felt stuck in her throat. She’d been here before. It was a hot summer day inside the schoolhouse, the two of them crouched behind Laurel’s desk in an attempt to outwit the other kids playing a game of hide and seek.
The look on his face that day was much like it was now except this was no boy nervously inching his way toward her. It was a man, the scruff of a bread covering his chiseled jaw brushing against her chin with every breath.
The evidence of his interest in her was obvious by the hard ridge of flesh she felt pressing between her legs. A small throbbing pulse starting beating there hard enough she shifted her hips, his pupils dilating when she did.
The rain still beat down but it did nothing to cool the heat surging through her body. The voice in the back of her head screaming that this was Jesse, the one person she loved to hate, was being drowned out by that incessant throb now making her whole body feel as if it were stretched tight enough to snap.
She swallowed to moisten her dry throat, licked her lips for much the same reason, and Jesse tilted his head a fraction, his mouth hovering just over hers.
Her body flipped from numb to tingling and back again, dizziness taking over until nothing registered but the feel of him so close, the scent of his skin and the warmth of his lips as they touched hers. The contact sent jolts through her limbs, a loud buzzing filling her head as he dipped his tongue inside.
Hot moisture filled her mouth, the taste of him igniting her nerve endings. She wasn’t close enough and shifted, rubbing against that hardened flesh between her thighs and ran her tongue along his until he groaned and ground his hips into her harder.
She tried to lift her arms, the need to feel him beneath her hands strong. She jerked against his tight hold until he broke the kiss and looked down at her.
“Do you think kissing me will make me forget all the trouble you’re causing?”
She gasped in shock, her mouth opening to reply but he lowered his head again and kissed her, everything she was about to say gone in an instant.
This kiss wasn’t hurried like the others they shared. This one was slow, as if he was savoring every second of it. His tongue swept the inside of her mouth in a lazy pattern that caused a soft groan to rumble in her throat. He nibbled her bottom lip then traced the shape of it with the tip of his tongue.
Jesse lingered, the full weight of him pressing her into the ground and Alex sighed, then hated the fact he’d caused that small reaction with nothing more than a kiss.
His tongue dipped into her mouth again for another taste, lingered and caressing her own so long her heart fluttered against her ribs like a caged bird until her breath caught. When he broke the kiss a second time, she blinked up at him.
“Now,” he said, “We’re going to stand up and get back on that horse and head to town. If you cause me any more problems I’ll blister your hide again, is that understood?”
For a short blissful moment, she’d forgotten she was supposed to hate him. That kiss had addled her brain. She blinked again, regained her focus on his face and saw the amused look in his eyes. He was enjoying her reaction. She gritted her teeth and said, “If you lay a hand on me, I swear—,”
He cut her off by kissing her until she had to break off in order to breathe. She lay stunned when he stood and reached for his fallen hat, the rain beating against her face.
Jesse grabbed her arm and helped her stand but didn’t let go of her. He pulled her closer, one arm around her waist so tight she found it hard to breathe as the heat of his body warmed her rain-soaked skin. “And don’t think that little kiss you gave me will be enough to make me forget you punching me in the head.”
“Me kiss you?” She laughed. “I think that knock to your skull did some damage. I didn’t kiss you, you kissed me.”
He grinned. “I don’t think so, darlin’. You kissed me.” He lowered his head, his breath warming her lips. “And feel free to do it again when the mood strikes. You’ll not hear me complain.” He left her standing there in the rain as he whistled for his horse. She touched her lips. They were still swollen from the kisses they’d exchanged and she’d never admit to another living soul how much she’d enjoyed it.
Wild Horses by Lily Graison
The Willow Creek Series, Book 7
Hiding from a future she doesn’t want…
When the new blacksmith in town announces they are to be married, Alexandra Avery does what any bride with cold feet would do. She disobeys her father, dresses in mens clothing, and sneaks away with the cattle drive he just sent east to avoid the inevitable. Little does she know, Jesse Samuels, the annoying boy who made her childhood nearly unbearable is the new trail boss and calling the shots. How will she ever survive being bossed around by him for the next two months?
Handed what he’s coveted the most…
Entrusted with over seeing a cattle drive for the Avery Ranch is exactly what Jesse Samuels needed, especially after hearing Alexandra Avery, the girl he spent the last ten years of his life planning a future with is now engaged. He regrets not staying and fighting for her until he finds her stowed away pretending to be one of the crew. When the other cowboys realize there’s a woman amongst them, his protective instincts kick in. His plan to send her home is thwarted at every turn so he does the only thing he can to ensure her safety. He drags her kicking and screaming to the altar and marries her.
Will love be enough to bind them…
Alexandra and Jesse have always had a love-hate relationship but when the dangers of the open trail take a turn that could cost them their lives, they have to put aside their differences to keep everyone safe. Will the truce be enough to show them what everyone else has always known? Or will they lose each other forever?
Read an excerpt from this book!
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About Lily Graison
Lily Graison is a USA TODAY bestselling author of historical western romances. Her Willow Creek Series introduced readers to a small Montana town where the west is wild and the cowboys are wilder. Lily also dabbles in contemporary and paranormal romance when the mood strikes and all of her stories range from sweet to spicy with strong female leads and heroes who tend to always get what they want.
She lives in Hickory, North Carolina and on occasion can be found at her sewing machine creating 1800’s period clothing or participating in civil war reenactments and area living history events. When not portraying a southern belle, you can find her at a nearby store feeding her obsession for all things resembling office supplies.
To see the dresses and hats Lily has created, visit her Pinterest page.
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The post Friday First Kiss #110 :: Wild Horses by Lily Graison-Historical Western Romance appeared first on Author Lily Graison.
